iBookstore in the UK, when?

[0dev]

If you look at Apple's PR release and small print, they say the iBookstore will only be out in the US at first.

Since one of main reasons I'm getting one is as a ebook reader, is there info on when the iBookstore will hit the UK?

 

[iStudentUK]

I'm curious about this too.

Got an email from apple, but the UK site doesn't mention ibooks at all. I'm not sure how good an ebook would be on a backlit screen. It does seem to be a big feature and those outside the US have every right to get quite annoyed. Especially as we in the UK (and in the rest of Europe) will face Apple's 'international tax'!

 

[Brazzan]

Is there info on when the iBookstore will hit the UK?

It will be before I buy one, that's for sure.

 

[colmaclean]

Most of the technical manuals I've got are in PDF format, so I'm hopeful they'll show up well on this device - the iPhone's screen is just too small...

 

[t22design]

No mention of iBooks on the UK Apple Site.

This better get fixed quickly!

 

[oakejs]

Canada too

There is no mention of iBooks on the Canada site either. The books are a major reason I want this thing.

 

[fishmoose]

I got really hyped to buy this as an ebook reader then I noticed iBooks was US only, I just have to wait I guess... The thing is, I don't care for the books to in Swedish, I read odd bokes that hasent been translated I was hoping it would be an international store.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

Well, they might not use the Apple app - but you could still use the Kindle store. Does eReader/Fictionwise sell in your neck of the woods? Nook/BN - is that US only for now too?

I"m guessing Apple will have an easier time with the international since the Kindle just paved the road for them. Book Publishers aren't quite as forward moving as music companies.... who'da thunk.

 

[MacRy]

I've just noticed this too whilst browsing the UK site. One of the main reasons for me buying the iPad on it's release is the iBooks app. I didn't realise it was US only. I hope they go worldwide on this soon as it'll be pretty disappointing not to have it at launch.

 

[MRU]

Well if we look at Euro release of iTunes store as a guide....

iTunes store launched April 2003 in USA

iTunes store launched June 2004 in the UK = 14 Months later
iTunes store launched January 2005 in Ireland = 18/19 Months later


I seriously hope iBookstore does not take this long to launch, but seeing as though they still have yet to even sort out licensing for films/tv/movies in many territories I wont be holding my breath.

iTunes however had no real competition at the time.


The only thing on our side is this...

Amazon's Kindle. We can already buy Kindle hardware from Amazon, but more importantly we can use the free Kindle App for the iPhone (and undoubtably an iPad enhanced version with page flips and nice enhanced GUI, and the same bookshelf idea Apple stole from Classics is already well in the works). Additionally we can already buy kindle books in $ pricing (saving more £ pounds & € euros) from it/web and read them on our iPhones/iPods without issue.

This alone may put some pressure on Apple, but as I say I am not optimistic. However if they do follow iTunes store timeline, in 12-18 months time most of us European iPad owners will be using Kindle and won't give a crap when iBookstore finally launches.

 

[Cyberguard]

There is no mention of iBooks on the Canada site either. The books are a major reason I want this thing.

Same thing !

A friend of mine told me we could buy it in the US, buy a Mastercard prepaid giftcard and active a US account using that card... can anyone confirm ?

If it's true, since I'm in NYC around launch time (theoretically around late march)... I might have a new companioon in my luggage when I come back in Canada